Map/Chart > The Persian Collection

A Chart of the Persian Gulf

A stunning chart of The Arabian Gulf, presented to the Right Honourable Viscount Melville, First Lord of the Admiralty, by Commander D. E. Bartholomew, in 1813. It draws upon previous survey work undertaken by Bartholomew, as far back as 1808.

Chart Information

Reference:

P716

Date

1795 & 1813

Hydrographer/Surveyor/Artist:

D E Bartholomew Commander RN & others

Size Of Original:

w 115.5cm x h 76cm

Paper Type

German Hahnemuhle Etching Paper 310gms (original size)

Further Information

This chart is available in the following standard sizes and formats

Chart ID

Size

Dimensions (cm)

Print Only

Notes

P716

Original

w115.5 x h76

$478

Print only

The centrepiece
of this chart is the Persian Gulf from the entrances between Cape Mussandam, on the
Arabian Coast, and Jasques, on the Persian Coast, up to Bussorah on the River
Euphrates. Surrounding this centrepiece are assorted panels showing a
combination of views, surveys, plans, and notes; some dating as far back as
1794. Within the notes Bartholomew provides a range of comments relating to
winds, tides, water supply, inhabitants and variations in bearing. These accompanying
notes are both informative and occasionally advisory, from experience and
observations made.

In the
Acknowledgments, Bartholomew provides a brief history and statement as to how
and why the chart came to be. His concerns are surprisingly direct, with a
veiled criticism of the way in which Aaron Arrowsmith, the publisher, used his
previous material and attributed the inaccurate work of others to Bartholomew.
Furthermore, he makes particular reference to the lack of surveys available to
the British at that time and makes a clear statement in regard to the ‘personal
trouble nor expense’ he went to in completing this survey.

Some strong
similarities are evident between this chart and other charts in this collection;
note the similarities with the Persian Gulf Chart (A708) in terms of land relief,
hydrography and the compass rose. Also worth noting is the lack of hydrography
along the Arabian coast, bar that credited to the work undertaken on H.M.S
Hesper, from Boothabeen to the northern tip of Mussledom.

Just above the
compass rose is an 1808 reference to the use of material from the Persian
manuscripts (likewise Heather’s chart A712). The lack of hydrography, the
accreditation to H.M.S Hesper, and the reference to Persian manuscripts, raises
the question as to whether Bartholomew visited the Arabian coast in the making
of this survey.

In its
magnificence this manuscript reflects Bartholomew’s strengths and
characteristics: his attention to detail and accuracy; his dedication and
willingness to make personal sacrifices in pursuit of excellence; and his honesty
and humility, evident through his respectful accreditation to those who supported
him and provided him with materials which enabled him to compile this chart. Furthermore,
Bartholomew was confident in his own ability and intolerant of others who did
not perform to the same level; evident in his clear expression of
dissatisfaction with the material published by Arrowsmith.